League: Cool edge to Four Nations launch

Stephen Kearney. Photo / Ben Fraser

Locals maintained the weather was mild for the time of year but Kiwi captain Benji Marshall couldn't agree at the official launch of the 2011 Four Nations in Leeds overnight (NZT).

Marshall and Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney travelled to Elland Road, where the Four Nations final will be played on November 19.

They joined the coaches and captains from the other competing nations, Australia, England and Wales.

The tournament begins with the Kiwis taking on the Kangaroos in Warrington on Saturday morning (NZT) and England facing Wales in Leigh the next day.

While Kearney took care of interview requests inside, Marshall had to don his kit to join the other captains Darren Lockyer, Jamie Peacock and Lee Briers for a photocall and interviews on the pitch where a chilly breeze had a cutting quality about it.

"People are telling me this is warm. That's bullshit. This is cold,'' he said as he shivered through another interview.

Marshall warmed up when looking ahead to the third edition of the Four Nations.

"You just look at the quality of the players in every team and there are players who excite you,'' he said as the Kiwis seek to defend the title they won last year against the Kangaroos.

"If fans are looking for excitement they just need to turn up at any of the games and the teams will provide it.''

Marshall is in his third year as Kiwi captain since taking over from Nathan Cayless after the 2008 World Cup triumph.

Two years ago he led the Kiwis here on a campaign which foundered against England in Huddersfield, the home side winning to qualify for the final.

But Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens said Kiwis were the team to beat,

"There's a lot of expectation on us but we've got a lot of work to do to overcome the Kiwis who hold all the trophies at the moment, let alone England on their own soil. It's going to be a good series,'' he said.

The series is yet another swansong for Australian Darren Lockyer, whose final year in the game has been one of the longest sporting farewells ever.

"It's been an enjoyable part of my career coming to England playing against other nations, but particularly England. There have been some great memories there and hopefully there'll be more over the next four weeks,'' said Lockyer.

The rest of the Kiwis had a recovery session after a rugged workout yesterday and Kearney is expected to confirm on Wednesday night his side to face Australia.